Chapter 27

Framework

At Team Base, on the outskirts of Cavetown, Viper, Quil, and Squirtle stared at the request board in disbelief.

Every single one of the removable wooden panels had been filled with a request.

The board was covered in the Unown-shaped letters called U-script. The words were scratched into the slats, transforming the request board into a wall of cramped text. There was the occasional crude image of a map to the location that needed help or the face of the Pokémon causing the problem, but U-script description dominated. Some of the slats even offered rewards in the form of services, items, or plain old Poké.

Squirtle counted the slats by jabbing the air with a finger-claw. "Eight columns of slats, twelve rows, so that's ninety-six slats all told. And every one of them was used. I can't believe it. Ninety-six requests. Ninety-six."

"We thought it was an achievement to help out Blindhollow," said Quil. "That was one place. One. That was nothing compared to this. Look at all these places that need help!"

Viper poked some of the slats with the tip of her tail's blade. "These two here are complaining about the same place. And these two! Beh, guess no one checked to see if there was already a request on the board for their hometown or wherever."

"Of course," said Squirtle. "Duplicates! It's not so much after all! Although, if every single slat was used, it's likely that some Pokémon weren't able to write down their request at all. There must be even more than are written on this board." His hope died like a lone sunbeam smothered by a shifting raincloud.

"How are we going to decide which request to take up?" asked Quil with his eyes still on the board.

Squirtle began to answer when he sensed the small crowd, standing quietly a respectful distance away, hold their breath for his answer. He looked significantly at Quil and Viper before announcing to the crowd that they needed to convene for a brief team meeting.

Now out of earshot, Squirtle proposed his idea. "I'm thinking we should ask that Donphan for more slats, and give them to any Pokémon who couldn't write down a request. Then we take them all, sort them, and discuss each one to determine which problems are the most severe. We may have to interview some Pokémon to get a fuller, better idea of the situation on their slat."

Quil looked down at one foot, which began to twist and scratch the rocky floor. Viper's head reared back as if she'd been punched on the nose. "That'd take a hundred years! Kah, we've got to start fighting if we're going to help, not spend forever coiled here and talking about how to help."

Squirtle took a steadying breath and released his annoyance before it could build.

I should be appreciative of any objections. Criticism and skepticism are helpful for correcting the errors of any plan before they are acted upon. Still, Viper gets on my nerves sometimes. I know how Hayzin must feel spending so much time with her.

He turned to Quil expectantly, waiting for support of his plan and objection to Viper's demand for hasty action. The Quilava looked thoughtful.

"Squirtle, Viper may be right here. There are too many requests to sort through. I'd rather get started now than worry about picking the perfect slat. After all, every one of them was written by a Pokémon that needs help. Don't you agree?"

"Hm. When you put it that way, it sounds more reasonable." Squirtle folded his arms in front of his chest and looked toward the tunnel's ceiling. He tried to give the impression that he was deep in erudite consideration of the matter. Inwardly, he knew he'd been wrong. Now was the time for action, not careful scheming.

Viper hissed quietly, a pleased sound, and traded looks with Quil, but neither said anything further.

Squirtle spoke again over their silence. "Okay. The next logical step, then, is to gather the team. Do you two want to see if you can find Bein? I'll search for Hayzin, and we can meet back here in an hour."

In agreement, the three made their way toward the commons of Cavetown. Squirtle appeased the crowd at Team Base with a promise that the team would decide which request to work on once its members were assembled. Viper and Quil split away from him down an adjoining tunnel while he continued straight. The morning's new worries were beginning to bubble into his awareness like a pot of water brought slowly to a boil.

How in the world was his team going to tackle all of the requests on the board? There were way, way too many to make any meaningful difference. He recalled supporting Quil in the speech in the commons to recruit Pokémon for taking back Blindhollow. The weight of the hopes of all of the assembled Pokémon had made him feel nauseous enough to step down, and he felt that same nausea returning now. His team's task was hopeless. The Electric boost had shattered the peace, and there were too many fragments to put back together.

What other option was there though? Sitting back and listening to the horrible tales develop would be worse than doing what little they could. If there were some way to stop the effects of the boost, to prevent the tales from even beginning, there would be no need to travel around addressing the problems. Treat the disease, not the symptoms. However, that was ground that he and Quil had already trod. There was no visible way to tell the source of the boost, and if anyone knew, they would no doubt have already mentioned it. Who knew if it could even be reversed? So they would have to do their best to fight back in the here and now.

Which brought Squirtle back to the task at hand: finding Hayzin. Squirtle cut right and made his way to the commons, ignoring the whispers and glances of the Pokémon he passed. He recalled Viper and Hayzin emerging from a cranny on the wall to join the Blindhollow effort during that speech a few days ago. Maybe that's where he stayed in Cavetown with his family. Upon inspection though, the place was empty. The cranny was little more than a small inlet into the massive cavern's wall: enough only to shield oneself from sight.

Where would I go if I were Hayzin?

On one hand, he was an Electric-type. A member of the persecutors living among the persecuted. He'd want to stay out of the way to not feed Cavetown's ire. Especially those of the Ground-types. On the other hand, he was a hero. Hayzin would be associated with the team that saved Blindhollow. Surely that status would be enough for Hayzin to feel safe and welcomed in Cavetown. Even so, Squirtle felt that Hayzin was a Pokémon who had no desire to embrace the spotlight. He'd keep away from Cavetown's thoroughfares.

Squirtle decided he'd better search the Habitation Caverns first, as the most likely place for a refugee or traveler to stay. After the better part of an hour of peeking into the many caves in the many wings, Squirtle saw neither hide nor tail of the Zebstrika. He tried a more desperate search pattern, and began wandering the less crowded tunnels of the subterranean town. With luck, he'd bump into some rarely-used cave in which Hayzin's family resided for the time being.

Here was a tunnel lined with barrels of fresh water or perhaps a substance more potent, and here a dark cave with an odor like chalk. Finally, Squirtle caught Hayzin's voice as he neared a new cave's entrance. Not willing to interrupt a potentially important family conversation, Squirtle prepared himself to wait patiently outside. Soon, he realized the topic of the conversation marked it as a private one on which he should not be eavesdropping. But Squirtle could not bring himself to walk away. He could tell himself he sought insight into the family life of Pokémon, but he'd be kidding himself. He wanted to know Hayzin's true thoughts on the matters of the Electric boost.

"Yes, but Blindhollow is safe now," Hayzin was saying. "We can all return, and go back to the life we've been building. The four of us, safe and together."

The Zebstrika had used a quiet tone he'd never heard before. It was emotional, almost whining. Was this Hayzin, or some Pokémon with a similar voice? The next Pokémon to speak rung a bell in Squirtle's memory, and he recalled the proud Rapidash that had walked at Hayzin's side. Her voice was also subdued, but it bore the poise that Squirtle had come to expect from Hayzin.

"That would be the wrong thing to do. We both know that, Hayzin."

"There are other Zappers, Flinyta, ones without a family to raise. There are other Grounders that will be able to help, too. In fact, I worked with a Cubone. He'll keep them on course, I've no doubt."

A snort. The sound of hooves scraping stone.

"You truly think you can stay here in this cave for even a day, sheltered and removed, while your comrades fight? With your conscience light as wind? Come now Hayzin. You want to raise our family out in Blindhollow while knowing there are Pokémon risking all of themselves to help in this crisis?"

There was a pause before Hayzin replied in that same aggrieved tone. "My days of traveling are long past. Now I'm a father above all. That, too, is a great responsibility. Or do you no longer see it that way?"

The Rapidash whinnied and said fiercely, "I'm not the one with insecurities! Your heart will give you no peace if you stay with us, Hayzin, can't you see that? You're too good a Pokémon. You're doomed to your sense of obligation. You see this as your battle too, whether it is or not."

After a moment's silence, she added, "I won't lie to you. I doubt either of us will find happiness if you go, but regret will be all you feel if you stay."

So low that Squirtle could barely hear, Hayzin said, "I'll tell Squirtle by afternoon."

"Good. What time is it, anyway? These closed spaces aren't where we belong. I feel restless..."

Flinyta was still speaking when Squirtle heard the sound of hooves striking rock once again. He initially thought it was coming from the same cave, but the acoustics of the tunnels were playing tricks on him. By the time he realized they were approaching from the tunnel behind him, it was too late for Squirtle to move or hide.

"Squirtle, it's that Squirtle!"

"Hi, Squirtle!"

Two small Ponyta pranced about, apparently very excited to see him. They'd seen him standing outside the cave entrance; they knew he'd been eavesdropping. Or did they? How old were they, exactly? Could they put two and two together? Regardless, he had no good option but to stay and chat.

"Hello Dashard and, er, Rapper right? How are you doing?"

"Dashar and Rappard," Hayzin corrected as he emerged from the tunnel with Flinyta the Rapidash right behind him. She jerked her muzzle and the two young Ponyta trotted to her side.

"Oh, Hayzin, I've been looking for you. The team's in its final preparations to leave for the next job, so I wanted to ask you if-"

"Yes, Squirtle, I will join you once again. Give me a moment to speak with my family, if you would."

"Great. I'll wait outside here then, if that's alright." He spoke as if he hadn't been standing there for the past two minutes. Despite the guilt, he knew he'd have eavesdropped if he had to do it all over again. This time he made an effort to stand away from the cave's entrance and ignore the quiet family conference within.

When the Zebstrika emerged again, this time alone, Squirtle broke eye contact. Hayzin's eyes were misty, even though the short steel-gray hair beneath his eyes remained dry. They walked back through the outskirts' vacant tunnels toward Team Base.

"I think I know what leaving your family means to you," said Squirtle. "Thank you for coming."

"Let us fight well," Hayzin said in a flat voice.

Upon arriving, Squirtle had to stave off the crowd's inquiries and pleas in order to rejoin Quil and Viper by the request board. He was delighted to see Bein present, but the Cubone did not look happy to be there. However, the gloom about Bein vanished and he relaxed once his eyes found Hayzin arriving as well.

"Glad that Hayzin decided to come?" asked Squirtle, as he raised his chin in greeting.

"Electricity on our side is good," was all Bein said, but Squirtle suspected there was more to it than that.

"Understatement of the year," chuckled Quil. "Thanks for joining again, Hayzin!" Viper showed her own enthusiasm with an excited hiss.

Hayzin inclined his head. "What now?"

Squirtle ran down the list of remaining preparations in his mind as all eyes turned to him. He raised the three fingers on his hand, one at a time. "Jobs. Recruits. Gear. Then we're ready to go. First we have to decide where we're going and what we're doing. Let's take another look at the request board."

All of the sketches and text on the board was as overwhelming as it had been that morning for Squirtle, but he tried to take in the information as calmly and analytically as he could this time around.

"We decided earlier today to pick a request without overthinking it," he said to Bein and Hayzin with his eyes still on the board. "Now's the time when we have to actually choose. Any ideas on how to pick quickly?"

The mass of Pokémon at their back had fallen quiet to hear the assembled team's deliberations, but once it was clear that the time to choose had arrived, the members of the crowd each began lobbying for their own issues to be addressed. Squirtle began to turn and placate them, but Bein stopped him by raising his bone as if to bar Squirtle from the crowd. He spoke in a voice loud enough only for Squirtle to hear.

"Ignore them. Dealt with loudmouths on construction sites before. Give 'em a response and they'll only get louder."

Squirtle nodded, and almost surprised himself at the relief he felt at not having to talk to the crowd. He returned to scanning the board. Karprest showed up more than a couple of times among the requests. When he pictured himself facing Stolt once again, an involuntary shiver ran the length of his spine. If there were any other problematic Electric-types, he'd definitely choose them over trying to conquer the Luxio and his ambition.

Viper's head was swaying between two of the wooden slats. "I've got two requests here for a town named Needleloft in some region called Cradle Vale. Says there's a traditional ceremony happening on the fifth night from tonight, where all the Sneasel in Needleloft are given Razor Claws to see if they're ready to evolve into Weavile. Sounds exciting!"

"Then what's the matter?" asked Hayzin.

"There's a Dedenne that stole every last one of the Razor Claws and won't give them back until after the ceremony. What a 'mon! Why would it go and ruin their little ceremony like that?"

Quil's ruby eyes were roaming over a different slat. This one featured drawings with only a few short words. "This request is for the same place. I think Needleloft is pretty small, but many Sneasel and Weavile live there. The ceremony is a huge tradition that only happens every two years." His voice held conviction when he looked away from the slat. "We should help them! This request can't wait; their ceremony is only five days away!"

Squirtle began thinking aloud. "It's a small settlement, so there won't be many Pokémon to ally themselves with the Dedenne – forced, or otherwise. If it comes to a physical confrontation, we won't have a massive battle like in Blindhollow. We might not even have to fight it. We only need to get those Claws back and make sure the ceremony happens." A quick smirk stretched his mouth as he pictured the petite Pokémon in his head. "And it's only a Dedenne."

"Size doesn't win fights," said Viper and Bein together. Viper coughed out the hisses that were her laughter, while Bein continued on without emotion.

"We barely won last time. No more risks. Doesn't matter if the Zapper's a Dedenne or an Ampharos."

"This request's perfect," said Viper as she inched away from the board to 'pace' around them. "Let's mosey up to Cradle Vale, find Needleloft, beat that Dedenne, and get the Sneasel back their Razor Claws! Lots of 'mon want this job taken care of, so what are we waiting for?"

The team's mood seemed to be positive enough, and no objections were raised. Squirtle thought through it once again. From what information they had, the job really was enticingly simple. And the added concern about the deadline gave this job priority over others. There remained only one point to discuss. He gathered his thoughts and his confidence.

"Perfect, let's take on this Needleloft job. But why not do more? Given the number of Electric boost problems that need to be solved, far and wide, we're never going to even make a dent if we only take on a single job at a time. Can you imagine in a couple of weeks from now having only knocked out one or two of all of these cries for help?"

He waved a pale blue hand at the request board in near-dramatic fashion. After letting that prospect sink in, he said, "At some point, we have to grow. We-"

"Again, we barely won last time," Bein said. "You think we should split our strength?"

"I acknowledge your point," said Squirtle, "but one day we will need to divide and conquer. Otherwise setting things right will take a lifetime. I say it's better to split earlier than later. Some of the Pokémon in this crowd are here because we asked for help in the speech yesterday. Our team will grow beyond, perhaps, the strength needed for a probably simple job like the one at Needleloft. The recruits will keep coming the longer we work at restoring these lands. You two aren't the only ones willing to fight for your homes," he said with significant looks at Hayzin and Viper.

A thoughtful moment passed. The crowd's increasing volume reflected its impatience, but a glare from Bein quieted the Pokémon temporarily. Hayzin responded to Squirtle's idea first.

"With our near defeat at Blindhollow fresh in my mind, I admit I'm reluctant to embrace your plan to undertake multiple requests at one time. We can't count on another inspiring evolution from Quil or a large group of supporters to rush to our aid at the critical moment. However, I see the direction of your thoughts. If your gut tells you that now is the right time to expand our team's focus, then I will support your plans, Squirtle."

The others, Bein included, followed on the heels of Hayzin's support with tentative nods, and Viper gave a blithe "Sure!" That was enough for Squirtle.

He gave a solemn nod. "Thanks for your support. This is the right time I think. Let's pick another request. Maybe an issue that's not too complicated or difficult to solve, since we're tackling two jobs at once."

The team studied the board once again for a minute. The first suggestion raised made Squirtle feel like his blood had been mixed with ice.

"Karprest," said Viper. "That's where you two were coming from eh, Quil, Squirtle? And you, Bein!"

"What?! Why Karprest?" Quil squealed. Squirtle could not agree more.

Viper stared at Quil with her unsettling red eyes before returning her gaze to a slat jam-packed with tiny U-script letters. "You three were there basically ten seconds ago, so you know the situation. I've already seen about four requests for help over there. Best thing is it's not too far to travel so we can go straight to the good part!"

Bein simply nodded agreement. Squirtle and Quil's eyes met. The fear Squirtle saw in his friend's eyes was the same fear he felt inside. No reason was good enough to return to Karprest. Whatever Viper said was irrelevant. Too many disturbing memories had been born there. The overwhelming emotions in Swanna's lodge. The sight of one of the Electric boost's first victims: Keema the Meowth, face-down in the dirt. Fleeing for the safety of a ferry that had already departed. And of course, Stolt's gleeful attacks on Quil and Squirtle. He knew that Quil, too, did not plan on ever returning to Karprest. Being forced to cross the Karp river whether by shell-back or ferry would have been nothing short of traumatic for the water-fearing Quilava.

"Why?" Viper was asking. "What's so spangled about picking Karprest to help?"

"Karprest seems to be as good a choice as any other," added Hayzin in a puzzled tone, "if not better. You three having recent knowledge of the town and its 'mon makes Karprest a smart choice, yes?"

Everyone was expecting an answer. What could Squirtle say to dissuade them from selecting Karprest? He could not explain his true reasoning without losing face and perhaps all of the respect he'd earned as a team leader and architect of success. Fear would not do as justification. Besides, he could not give the okay on Karprest if Quil was unwilling.

Without any valid ideas jumping to mind, he said, "Can I speak to you privately for a moment Quil?"

The two proceeded further down the Team Base tunnel, enduring stares from the crowd and a knowing grunt from Bein. Once alone, Squirtle spoke without preamble.

"I'm not sure I can go back there. Can you?"

Quil was on all fours, his head low to the ground. He shook his head, but said nothing. Apparently he was still wrestling with his thoughts and feelings. Squirtle turned his attention inward, trying to sort out how he felt and what he should do. Using this private reprieve from the team discussion, Squirtle reckoned he could concoct some reasonable explanation as to why an alternate selection would be more appropriate. But should he? Wasn't Karprest truly the best choice with the limited time they had to decide?

"Neither of us wants to go back there," said Quil morosely. "But both of us want to do what we can to help the 'mon in places like Blindhollow. This is why we're here, doing what we're doing. Still, it doesn't have to be Karprest. We can help just as much by going somewhere else. Right?"

Squirtle hesitated before forcing himself to say the words. "This is what we signed up for. We decided to do our best to help. As much as I hate the idea of facing Stolt again, Karprest is probably the best choice. Viper and Hayzin are right; we both know what to expect there. I bet the Pokémon there are ready to rebel, too. We heard the murmurings while we were being led out by that Nidorino."

Quil sounded skeptical. "Really Squirtle? You're saying you're fine returning to Karprest, just because it's the logical thing to do?"

Squirtle turned away, focusing his eyes on nothing as he voiced his honest opinion. "I feel responsible for planning the most sensible strategy possible for us. I believe that's why I'm here as a Pokémon. That means bringing about the greatest good while keeping our odds of success as high as possible. Karprest fits that bill." He faced Quil once again, finding his friend rising to his hind legs. "Will you go back to Karprest with me?"

Quil closed his eyes, and his frame swelled with a deep breath. He almost looked like he would refuse, but then he cracked an incongruous smile. "Only if we don't go by ferry."

Of the thirty or forty Pokémon in the crowd, fourteen were willing to join the team to fight the Electric boost. Of those fourteen, only five were willing to join to help with the Needleloft and Karprest requests in particular. Squirtle didn't see a need for auditions or any other type of screening process. All he needed was reliability and the capacity to battle if need be. The former was guaranteed since these Pokémon were only joining because they were motivated to help their hometowns, and the latter was guaranteed because all Pokémon could fight. It was what Pokémon did best.

Two Houndour hailing from Needleloft, brother and sister, were eager to lend their fierce resolve to the team. In fact they looked ready to return to their home and face the Dedenne themselves if help could not be found in Cavetown. A Sneasel, also from Needleloft, shared their determination. Her stake in the matter was highest of all, as she said she was slated to evolve using one of the Razor Claws. For Karprest, a familiar face came forth from the mass of Pokémon: Peroo. The Tranquill explained that he wasn't particularly concerned with the fate of Karprest, having never visited, but since the problem in Mistyfern Jungle was not being immediately addressed, he had no better way to spend his time than to help set the world right. The way he said it made the idea sound ridiculous, but Squirtle knew that had he truly disdained the spirit of the team, he would not have joined.

In addition to Peroo, a bipedal Pokémon about two feet tall was willing to join to take back Karprest. A black mask surrounded her eyes and part of her short snout on an otherwise blue-furred head. Her sprightly three-toed feet and two dangling head appendages were also black, but most of the rest of her body was blue. Squirtle wasn't sure what Type she might be. Squirtle asked Quil later that afternoon, and was surprised to hear that the Pokémon was the Fighting-type Riolu. The species name rang a bell in his mind. Researchers in the same scientific circles that he had once been privy to were looking into the energy colloquially called 'Aura', and the capabilities of Pokémon that could sense or manipulate it. Squirtle made a mental note to ask her about the matter later to satisfy his curiosity. Maybe the Pokémon in this part of the world didn't use Aura?

Quil showed his caring nature in verifying with the newcomers that they each knew what they were getting into. Were they all completely willing and mentally prepared to fight against supercharged electricity, if necessary? Did they understand that their safety would not be guaranteed? Squirtle asked them, while avoiding Viper's eye, if they could take orders. The question elicited some confusion, but the Tranquill, Riolu, two Houndour, and Sneasel all gave the affirmative, as they had to Quil's questions.

With the full crew assembled and jobs selected, the moment arrived to split into two separate teams. The discussion began with Squirtle, Quil, and Bein being chosen to go to Karprest due to their intel advantage. No question there. Squirtle had no arguments with that, though his stomach gave a lurch of apprehension. With three of the experienced members on one team already, Viper and Hayzin had little choice but to lead the team going to Needleloft. Bein made it no secret that he preferred to stick with Hayzin, but Squirtle threw in the added argument that each team would have a secret weapon if the two remained separate. Bein could nullify any of Stolt's Electric moves, and Hayzin could fight the Dedenne's boosted electricity with his own. The Cubone had the decorum to not protest further after Squirtle had made his point. Squirtle thought he sensed unease from the two Houndour and Sneasel as the teams were being decided, but Quil identified the problem first and addressed the three frankly.

"Hayzin isn't one of the bad Zappers. His head wasn't rattled during the storm. We've all been working with him for days, and he hasn't tried to knock us out, secretly helped out Raizula, or done anything else to lose our trust. I hope there are no hard feelings about him being a Zapper."

The rest of the veteran team members dutifully agreed with Quil's words. Briefly, Squirtle once again marveled at the courage his friend could now summon with ease when he wanted to speak up. After Quil's words, the Houndour and Sneasel more or less expressed compliance.

"Thank you, Quil," said Hayzin. "I assure you three, I am perfectly sane and share your goal."

Perhaps it was in the nature of a Dark-type to be distrustful, as the faces of the three Pokémon still bespoke suspicion. He couldn't blame the newcomers for being wary of any Electric-type at first. Quil, after all, had been very wary of Hayzin during their first meeting on the road. Squirtle could only hope that their experience in Cradle Vale would bring them closer together.

Next, Squirtle recommended that the two teams meet with each of the Pokémon who had posted the requests to gather as much information as possible about the current state of affairs in Needleloft or Karprest. Viper moaned about the time lost, but she was overruled. The Riolu of the team, who had introduced herself as Loria, was naturally one of the Pokémon who'd posted requesting help for Karprest. Along with four other Pokémon in Cavetown, the consensus was that Stolt was ruling with an iron fist, and had kicked out anyone who showed a shred of dissent with his plans for Karprest. He needed to be kicked out himself, and Mayor Biba possibly reinstated. If the Pokémon of Karprest wanted to keep their homes, they had to wear a mask of support for their new dictator and hop to whatever task was asked of them. The description of that living situation elicited a snarl from Squirtle and had Quil growling.

By the time the interviews were over, their own bellies were snarling and growling with hunger. The two teams bumped into each other in the diner. Viper's chatter over food was amusing enough in small doses, but it could not mask everyone's anxiety over the coming challenges and danger. Quil brought up one point that Squirtle had long forgotten.

"Hey, we ought to have team names! If we ever make it into the stories, we'll need catchy names that the storytellers can call us."

Hayzin smiled patronizingly around his food, and one of the Houndour barked his laughter. Quil looked self-conscious at that reaction and mumbled something into his bowl. Viper came to his rescue with her own enthusiasm.

"Quil, you're bickle-backle right! Best idea all day! What's a good name for your team? How about Team Ember, since your evolution basically won us the battle at Blindhollow?"

Quil retreated further into his meal as he said, "Oh no, it can't be named after me. I only helped."

Suggestions started popping up around the table like the heads of a Dugtrio bursting out of the ground.

"Team Explosion!"

"Team Zap-stoppers! Or Team Electricity-blockers!

"No, Team Ground, since we stop Zappers."

"Too easy. Team Huge Power!"

"The Big Bad Attackers!"

"Team Poképals!"

"No way, that's so immature. Team Unstoppable!"

"Team Vicious, or the Vicious Team!"

"Quiet down!" said Hayzin with a snort of annoyance. "Since we're starting anew with two teams, why don't we make names that reflect what we are trying to accomplish? Forget about what has already happened."

Loria the Riolu spoke into the thoughtful silence that followed. "Team Recover."

Pensive expressions and murmurs of approval were in plenty around the table at that suggestion.

"Because we're going to recover the Razor Claws from Dedenne, is that right?" asked one of the Houndour. Loria only smiled and lowered her eyes as she took another bite.

"Team Recover it is," Hayzin said. "And for the other team?" He looked to the Riolu as if he expected her to immediately produce another fitting team name. To Squirtle's great surprise, she did not disappoint. After her eyes momentarily wandered the diner for inspiration, she returned Hayzin's gaze.

"Team Equalize."

Squirtle thought that choice of word to be slightly hokey and melodramatic, but the others seemed to hold no such opinion. Team Equalize? As if they were heroic figures bringing balance to the world. Well, perhaps that was more accurate than he had allowed himself to believe.

"You got a gift for words, Riolu," said the Sneasel in a low voice.

"Thank you," she politely returned. Squirtle eyed her surreptitiously. A mysterious Pokémon was on his team, one he wanted to know more about. There would be time enough later to talk. Quil's eyes were shining with inspiration. Bein's were impassive, as they were most of the time. Peroo was silent, but he looked happy enough with the choice as he refolded his wings.

"Team Equalize we are, then," Squirtle said.

Following the meal, Squirtle led both teams to a workshop he'd visited the previous day. The Leavanny and group of Durant were expecting him, and since they had prioritized his order as a favor for taking on corrupt Zappers, they had the finished product ready.

Two modified backpacks with more straps than Squirtle had ever seen were carried gingerly to his hands by the steel mandibles of the head Durant. The backpacks had to be an impressive feat for the workshop's team, the way the Durant handled the backpacks with such care. The exterior of each one was covered in pouches of various sizes for easy access, as he had asked. The straps were detachable and their lengths could be changed using buckles and loops so that the backpacks could be fitted securely onto any Pokémon large enough to wear them. The primary material was beige, lightweight, and most importantly, rugged. Squirtle smiled with open wonder as he inspected the backpacks.

"For the gear we'll be bringing to help us at Needleloft and Karprest," he explained to the Pokémon of the two teams, after thanking the Leavanny and all the Durant. "I know packs of any kind are a rare sight among Pokémon because they, that is, we typically have so few possessions. We can find what little we need on the go. However, our work will be easier if we bring the right tools for the job. I took the liberty of ordering these yesterday. Let's fill them up. To the bank!"

Ignoring the nonplussed expressions of his companions, Squirtle led the way to the strange cavern where Nape had hidden all the items they'd collected. He was beginning to learn not only which tunnels led where, but the optimal routes to get around Cavetown. After an hour of consideration and debate in the cavern, the pouches and main compartment of each backpack were mostly filled. Each had two Cheri Berries for reversing Paralysis, two Oran Berries for the strength to keep fighting, a Blast Seed for help downing a tough opponent, and provisions enough for a few days so time never needed to be wasted foraging. In addition, Team Recover's bag contained the Detect Band for use by Hayzin, and Team Equalize's bag had the Defense Scarf and Special Band for Bein and Squirtle.

"We covered jobs, recruits, and gear, like you said," said Hayzin to Squirtle. "Now are we ready to leave?"

"Yes. How about we leave tomorrow morning? That way everyone's rested and personal affairs have been attended to. I myself want to run a few more errands before we leave."

By this point, Squirtle knew that anyone in either team would have agreed to almost any of his proposals as long as he claimed he had a good reason. He'd certainly impressed them with his preparations. By the way some of them looked at him when he revealed his plans and suggestions, he'd have thought the way he foresaw and negated problems before they could occur was nothing short of supernatural. Viper alone appeared indifferent. Squirtle had impressed himself, too. He'd birthed the request board, the bank, the backpacks and gear, other ideas he'd contrived, and even more to come. His decision to give himself to combating the negative effects of the Electric boost was not one he had made idly. When he put himself to a task, he was not sloppy with his efforts. Never had been. He attributed his incredible career successes in his old life primarily to his work ethic and thoroughness.

I need to talk to that Bunnelby foreman. Oh, and see if I can get more wooden panels made for the request board. I'll probably think of more to do on the way, too.

By the time Squirtle withdrew into the packed comfort of his shell at the end of the day, he was almost as tired as if he'd had a day of hiking and battling.

The following day, once everyone was awake and assembled at Team Base, Squirtle led the way through Cavetown. At one of the many forks, he took the path through a smaller tunnel. One of the Houndour was quick to complain.

"Squirtle, the entrance is the other way. I can smell all the Pokémon."

"Don't worry, this way will work too. That's not Cavetown's only entrance."

He couldn't help teasing everyone a bit, as he was bubbling with excitement inside at where he was taking them. This was something he'd been looking forward to since he'd first looked into the matter. Something he'd been imagining off and on since speaking with Chando in Blindhollow's Prison. Squirtle thought he heard snippets of whispers behind his back as they continued up a sloped tunnel, but his elation drowned out all possible negative emotions. After the next fork, which took them even farther away from Cavetown's main entrance, the tunnel led into one of the larger caverns that Squirtle had visited in Cavetown.

While this cavern was lit by the glowing fungi like the rest of Cavetown, a large hole in the ceiling held the promise of natural sunlight. Like an enormous chimney, the cavern's roof seemed to fall away into that central shaft. Flying Pokémon intermittently came and went through that hole. A Pidgey here, a Zubat there. Even one Flygon. Some of the larger Pokémon flew bearing others on their backs or carrying them in their appendages. Squirtle felt a thrill at the sight, as he had the first time he'd come to the cavern.

"Welcome back, Squirtle. Ready to depart?" said a Salamence affably, as he approached on four legs like tree trunks. Another Salamence was at his side, sizing up the Pokémon who followed behind Squirtle. Each wore a harness with countless small loops of rope sticking up off the Salamence's back in a grid-like pattern.

Squirtle nodded twice, his face split by a wide smile.

The lead Salamence laughed as if Squirtle had dropped a joke. "First-time fliers are usually one or the other: wild with excitement, or completely terrified."

"Yeah. Not flying today," Bein said as he clutched his bone close. His voice was pitched high.

With an introduction featuring attempted biting, both Salamence introduced themselves. The lead one was named Magon. Squirtle counted himself fortunate that Bein was the only one who uncompromisingly refused to utilize the Salamence's service. All the others were, at the least, willing to ride. Some were thrilled like Squirtle. Quil was beside himself with excitement, and the two shared a moment of giddy laughter. Convincing Bein to ride, however, ate up the better part of an hour. It took Magon's assurances that he'd been a carrier for years, that he had a perfect record for safe transports, and reports of clear weather outside from multiple Pokémon before the Cubone allowed himself to be helped up onto Magon's broad, teal-colored back. Bein's bone shook as he held it, and his eyes were wide within the eye sockets of his skull helmet.

The presence of Hayzin and Viper on the other Salamence's back made it look rather cramped, but he assured his passengers that he'd managed even bigger loads in the past. Hayzin looked uncomfortable himself, and Squirtle watched his lips moving to say something to Viper. In response, she slithered her body beneath the belly of the Salamence and back up the other side, completely encircling him. Hayzin lay down with Viper securing him flat to the Salamence's back. The sight reminded Squirtle of a giant seat-belt, a device with which the Pokémon here would be unfamiliar.

"So long as my wings are free to move, I'm comfortable if you're comfortable," the Salamence said in an amused voice.

Magon, bearing Team Equalize, craned his neck to the side and fixed Squirtle with one eye. "And what's our destination today, Squirtle?"

"Karprest," he said with spirit.

"Karprest. Understood," the Salamence repeated. He swept his gaze over his other passengers: Quil, Bein, Peroo, and Loria. "Today we can expect an easy flight, as there's nothing to worry about on this route. If holding the loops makes you more comfortable, please do so. Should we be attacked by a wild Flyer, I'll subdue it with no trouble. If you feel compelled to help, please warn me ahead of time what you plan to do, so I'm not surprised. Be at ease knowing that should you somehow fall, I will have plenty of time to catch you. I have only one rule: do not touch my wings. Any concerns or questions today, or are we ready to fly?"

None were raised. Magon turned his attention to the aperture in the ceiling. Squirtle could not resist playfully rustling Quil's fur beside him, and his friend beamed with mirrored anticipation.

"Here we go!" bellowed the Salamence, and leaped into the air. He surged forward and upward as his red wings beat downward, then again, and again. The shaft swiftly loomed toward them, then swallowed them whole. Magon tilted upward, bearing them out of the cavern. Squirtle squinted against the growing daylight, though his excitement only rose.

As Team Equalize soared out of Cavetown, Quil shouted over the roar of wind.

"Your reign is over Stolt!"